Not to jump ahead on the calendar too soon since Seattle’s long awaited warm weather has just arrived this month, but we’re all doing Wild Waves Water & Theme Park again at the end of August on Saturday the 28th for an end of the summer party. Seattle Gay Scene and Ricardo, from the Snohomish County Gay Social Club, have teamed up again and negotiated special group ticket prices at the lowest you’ll ever see, just $20.99 (normally $40 at the gate) and if August 28th doesn’t work out for you the tickets can be used any day this summer.
After my visit to the park recently I was most impressed since honestly I have not been there in decades – since back when it was called Enchanted Village and the park was dotted with mushroom houses and goofy characters. Well now all that tiny-tot theming is long gone and the park offers something for everyone of all ages.
Ironically, there doesn’t seem to be any theme to the theme park but the park certainly has its highlights. The Wild Thing Roller Coaster was an amazing super-fast steel looping roller coaster with a corkscrew. The type of coaster that I didn’t even know existed in this area. The Disko Flashback was an unusual experience as riders coast higher and higher on a half pipe track while facing outward on a spinning disk. Hard to explain it…you actually have to experience it. There is even a classic style wooden coaster. Heck, I even had fun motoring around on the bumper cars.
But, as a warning, the Ring of Fire coaster loops around in a complete circle, even upside down, and is enough to make just about anyone feel sick. Also, Lumberjack Falls provides a wet surprise (or maybe not so surprising) at the end of its 50-foot-tall plunge. Maybe best done as the last coaster before hitting the water park.
After completing the theme park portion it was into my swimwear as we hit the water slides. With so many slides to choose from there wasn’t much of a wait for any of them and the different slides provide as much thrills and chills as you are willing to take on. Or just relax in the Konga River (lazy river).
The main center of the water park is the 24,000 square foot wave pool lined with hundreds of reclining chairs around it. I am told that during the peak season the crowds can be shoulder-to-shoulder in the wave pool. Be sure to stake out your spot/chair early since the lockers will cost you a $9-$16 rental fee depending on the size.
I am betting in August there will be lines to get inter tubes for some of the tube slides but you can rent your own for $8 for the entire day and skip the lines. If you have a pair of water shoes they come in handy to avoid walking on the pebbles laying out on the pavement between slides and flip flops just get in the way of riding the water slides.
Wild Waves has something they call a Beer Garden served out of a cabana by the wave pool. Nothing special really (and drinking and sliding is not a good idea) but it is available for those that want it. BYO Food and drink is not allowed so if you do bring it you will have to go out and eat in your car in the parking lot since all bags are inspected but bottled water is allowed.
Also it will cost you ten bones for all day parking at the theme park so carpooling is encouraged. By public transportation the “Federal Way Transit Center” is only 35 minutes from Seattle by bus, then in Federal Way get on Pierce County Transit route #402 (every 30 minutes) and it is only ten minutes away to the Enchanted Pkwy & 360th bus stop.
While the park is not at the same level as some of the California Theme and Water parks and the numerous Wild Waves annual pass holders can make for a crowded experience, if you know what to expect and come with the right attitude it will be fun day.
Log into the Wild Waves link below to purchase tickets at a substantial savings off regular admission prices. This online benefit program offers not only substantial savings, but allows you to “print and go” so you have your ticket in hand when you get to the park with no waiting in the line to purchase tickets. The park is open from 10am – 8pm on Saturday August 28, 2010.
To access the special ticket prices, click the link below, then log into the site with the username and password provided.
Special Ticket Link:
https://shopparc.accesso.com/clients/parc/ww/affiliate?m=11633
Username: wwgayday
Password: pride2010
Gay Pride End of the Summer Party at Wild Waves is also on Facebook so be sure to RSVP and buy your tickets soon.
